Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer:
When faced with a Cancer diagnosis, our decision making ability is overshadowed by the fear and apprehension. In such challenging times, it is crucial to trust the guidance of a genuine medical professionals and evidence-based treatment plans are followed. Sadly, many individuals fall into the trap of convenience and prejudiced ideas, seeking alternative options that provide false hope to cure cancer without any hassles.
This blog aims to raise cancer awareness and emphasise the significance of evidence-based treatment of cancer over personal convenience and prejudiced ideas with herd mentality.
The Diagnosis called CANCER:
A middle-aged female, accompanied by her son and husband, entered my clinic with trembling hearts. Their world is turned upside down upon learning about her cancer. The family’s fear was palpable as they grasp the severity of the situation. Sitting beside the patient, As a medical professional I reviewed the reports and discovered an adenocarcinoma of rectum. A circumferential mass starting at the anal verge with upward extension to rectum was palpable. The significance of this location (anal verge) means that a decision had to be made to remove the entire cancer, even if it meant sacrificing the sphincter or risk of leaving the cancer behind.
“All or None” – The Difficult Decision:
Technically, when the anal verge is involved in cancer, the prevailing approach is to remove it entirely. This decision prioritises complete eradication of the cancer from the body rather than preserving the sphincter. Understandably, accepting the idea of living with a colostomy bag to pass bowel is difficult and unimaginable for most individuals. It was akin to facing an unknown future. Its a “All or Non” means either completely remove the cancer otherwise don’t attempt.
Deny the Denial:
The patient’s initial reaction was denial, a natural response to the terrifying diagnosis of cancer. The thought of living with a colostomy bag was unacceptable, causing distress and uncertainty about her relationships with loved ones. She refused to accept this reality. Meeting with different surgeons, she sought someone who would provide hope and perform a sphincter-saving surgery, promising a chance of cure albeit with low statistical chances. With a newfound sense of optimism, she opted for this procedure, followed by postoperative chemotherapy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10518196/
Regret and the Consequences of Convenience:
Nine months later, the patient experienced symptoms suggestive of disease recurrence. Upon evaluation, it was confirmed that the cancer had returned. The family now regretted their decision to prioritize convenience over convention but never realised this could lead to a “fall like Domino’s”. They lamented not choosing the standard surgery initially, guided by evidence-based treatment protocols. However, it was too late.
First Chance is Best Chance:
In cancer treatment, the first opportunity for intervention holds tremendous importance. It is crucial to prioritize the best possible treatment plan based on scientific evidence rather than personal desires or convenience. By compromising treatment options for the sake of comfort or personal preferences, individuals risk losing the opportunity for effective treatment later on.
Distress and apprehension makes us vulnerable to be misguided:
Cancer is a complex disease, leaving individuals and their families in a state of distress. In such vulnerable times, it is essential to trust the expertise of the group of oncologists and rely on evidence-based management for treatment of cancer. Seeking advice solely from friends and relatives, who may lack medical knowledge, can lead to misguided decisions and compromised treatment outcomes.
Conclusion:
When it comes to treatment of cancer, following evidence-based protocols is paramount. The emotional journey of a cancer diagnosis can cloud judgment and lead individuals to seek convenient alternatives that provide false hope. It is essential to trust the collective wisdom of oncologists, who base their recommendations on years of scientific research and proven treatment methods. By prioritising evidence-based treatment over personal desires, we can give ourselves the best chance at a successful outcome. Remember, in the battle against cancer, our first opportunity for intervention is often the most critical one.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6605702/
3 Comments
Debi Padhi
July 15, 2023An Article based on prognostic wisdom, rather than statistical deductions which many of us non-medics get influenced by; what with Cancer being a malady that does not have the word “cure” attached to its portfolio of outcomes, at best it is restricted to “surviver”.
2. Many a seminal books have been written on it, by Oncologists themselves, from Atul Gowande to Siddharth Mukherjee to the tragic When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi; however the question that hangs on every Cancer patient(like the protagonist in the Article) and their caregivers is the deft uncertainty of the treatment that is almost reduced to a mathematical constant of sorts, with more outgoings than incomings.
3. The Article underlines an excellent medical proposition in the treatment of the dreaded disease, without doubt.
Thank you.
admin
July 15, 2023Thank you sir.
MOHAN PATRO
July 15, 2023Excellent information. Congratulations
Good guidance for the public.
It will be more useful if it can be promoted through Television and add in the Movie theatre.
Thanks a lot